Marburg is a small university town north of Frankfurt in the Lahn valley. It was almost untouched by bombs during WWII. The large "Oberstadt" district is a twisting gem of well maintained 17th and 18th Century "Hessische" architecture hugging narrow, cobblestone streets. Hearing nearby church bells toll while walking through this part of Marburg is a life changing experience. This is the Germany you expect from the tour books and you have it without the tourist crowds.

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Marburg is a small university town north of Frankfurt in the Lahn valley. It was almost untouched by bombs during WWII. The old city("Oberstadt", upper city) is a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with extremely well-preserved examples of 17th and 18th century "Hessische" architecture. Hearing nearby church bells toll while walking through this part of Marburg is a life changing experience. This is the Germany you expect from the tour books and here you can enjoy it free from the crowds of tourists.

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The [http://www.uni-marburg.de Philipps Universität] (founded 1527) is the oldest Protestant university in the world. Marburg has approximately 86,000 residents. With 20,000 students and 6,000 people working for the university, it gives the town the atmosphere of a typical university town, hence the slogan of Marburg is: "Other cities may have a university, Marburg is a university."

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The Philipps Universität [http://www.uni-marburg.de] (founded 1527) is the oldest Protestant university in the world. Marburg has approximately 81,000 residents. With 21,000 students and 6,000 people working for the university, the slogan of Marburg is: "Other cities may have a university, Marburg is a university."

==Get in==

==Get in==

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By train: regular services go to [[Frankfurt]] and [[Kassel]] and from both cities your have extensive connections on the German high speed train network (ICE)

Regular services go to [[Frankfurt]] and [[Kassel]] and from both cities you have extensive connections on the German InterCity train network (IC), not ICE.

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By air: Marburg has no airport so head for Frankfurt/Main, Germany's busiest airport.

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===By plane===

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By car: one of the few German cities not directly connected by the Autobahn, but as you are in Germany there should be another road ... From Frankfurt take the Autobahn to [[Giessen]] and than the Bundesstrasse 3 to Marburg.

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Marburg has no airport so head for Frankfurt/Main, Germany's busiest airport.

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===By car===

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One of the few German cities not directly connected by the Autobahn, but as you are in Germany there are good alternatives ... From Frankfurt take the Autobahn to [[Giessen|Gießen]] and than the speed Bundesstraße 3 to Marburg.

==Get around==

==Get around==

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As a small town it`s best explored on foot. Other possibilities include the public bus services or take a bicycle.

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As a small town it`s best explored on foot. Other possibilities include the public bus services a bicycle.

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For getting to the "Oberstadt" you can use one of the two lifts, which is of interest for older people or handicapped.

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To reach the "Oberstadt" you can use one of the two lifts, which make it accessible for the disabled.

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If you want a tip, ask the habitants: most of them are students and most people are very friendly and will go out of their way to point out the sights if you're lucky.

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If you need, ask the inhabitants: most people are very friendly and will go out of their way to point out the sights.

Stroll around the old city and enjoy the medieval atmosphere in combination with the spirit of an university town. Visit the Elisabeth-Church, Germany's oldest gothic church, and the old castle at top of the "Oberstadt". Also worth seeing are the old university building, the city hall, and Weidenhausen (the old part of the town on the other side of the river Lahn).

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Stroll around the old city ("Oberstadt", upper city) and enjoy the medieval atmosphere in combination with the spirit of an university town. Visit the Elisabeth-Church, first gothic church of germany, and the old castle at top of the "Oberstadt". Also worth seeing: the old university building, the city hall, Weidenhausen (old part of the town at the other side of the river Lahn).

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Take a romantic pedal boat trip on the river Lahn, which starts from the bridge opposite to the old university building. Take a hike up to the Spiegelslustturm and enjoy a wonderful view over Marburg at night. There is an exhibition on the culture and history of Hesse in the old castle and also guided tours through the "Kasematten", the cellars of the castle. Consult the tourist information office [http://www.marburg.de/detail/22330] for details.

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==Do==

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There is the '''aquamar''', a relatively new swimming pool with a spa area.

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*'''Take a romantic pedal boat trip on the river Lahn''', starting point is the bridge opposite to the old university building. Take a hike up to the Spiegelslustturm and enjoy a wonderful view over Marburg at night. There is an exposition on culture and history of Hesse in the old castle and also guided tours trough the "Kasematten", the cellar's of the castle. Consult the [http://www.marburg.de/detail/22330 tourist information] for details.

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*There is the '''aquamar''', a relativ new swimming pool with a wellness area.

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*With the Train in Direction Kassel there is Kirchhain, a small Twon with some Interessting big markets like the New Years Market or the Martins market, the Town again is a Nice Place and a Simple for a German Small Town

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*You can also take a trip to the '''Amoeneburg''', an old fortress 15 km east of Marburg, or to castle Rauischholzhausen, a represantative castle with a nice park.

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*You can also go for longer hikes at the surrounding hills and romantic forests.

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==Buy==

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Take a train in the direction of Kassel to Kirchhain, a lovely small German town with interesting large markets like the New Years Market or the Martins market.

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==Eat==

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You can also take a trip to the '''Amoeneburg''', an old fortress 15 km east of Marburg, or to castle Rauischholzhausen [http://www.uni-giessen.de/uni/einrichtungen/Rauischholzhausen/about.html], a traditional castle with a nice park.

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The city has to cater for the needs of more than 18,000 students so it should be no problem to find a nice cafe or pub. Most of the good pubs are located in the old Oberstadt. Be aware that during the semester they are sometimes crowded.

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The Importaint Rule One is: Ask a people for a tip, the people are often very friendly and they have some tips you can't find in a guide book.

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*Try the '''Cafe am Grün''' next to the Red Star Bookstore. It's one of the best cafes in Marburg and also a good place to go with children.

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You can also go for longer hikes in the surrounding hills and the picturesque forests.

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*Next to the elevator (Oberstadtaufzug) in the middle of Marburg is a very good Lebanese imbiss.

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If you arrive at the train station and like to eat Asian food just walk straight away from the train station and cross the river bridge behind the highway. On the right side is a good place for Asian food.

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* If you want to meet students then the "Mensa on the Erlenring" is very good, you can eat there as a guest, and the food is very good.

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==Drink==

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If you are looking for culture, art and a special place to enjoy a glass of wine, visit the Kulturzentrum Waggonhalle, rigth behind the train station. Placed in the historic Waggonhalls, you will find art exhibitions, theater, concerts, flea markets, cabaret and much more. The Rotkehlchen Cafe/Restaurant serves great affordable food, tasty cakes, and offers outside seating.[http://www.waggonhalle.de/]

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==Where to eat==

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The city caters for the needs of more than 18,000 students so it is not difficult to find a nice cafe or pub. Most of the good pubs are located in the Oberstadt. Be aware that during the university terms they are sometimes crowded.

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Try the '''Cafe am Grün'''[http://www.lahn.net/cafe-am-gruen/] next to the Red Star Bookstore [http://www.roter-stern.de/]. It's one of the most alternative cafes in Marburg and also a good place to go with children. In summer you can sit in their backgarden right at the Lahn river.

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Next to the lower level of the lift (Oberstadtaufzug) in the middle of Marburg you will find numerous restaurants, great Doner and a very good Lebanese Imbiss. For the best fries in town and original Currywurst, try Leppers Imbiss (Biegenstrasse 8)

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If you arrive at the train station and like to eat Asian food just walk straight away from the train station and cross the river bridge behind the highway. On the right side is a small, but good place for Asian food.

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If you want to meet students then the "Mensa on the Erlenring" is very good, you can eat there as a guest, and the food is bot goof quality and affordable.

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If you like traditional German food, visit the Ratsschänke [http://www.ratsschaenke-marburg.de] directly next to the historic town hall.

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The area in the historic center around the Marktplatz and Barfuesserstrasse is full of good, affordable restaurants for all tastes, many with outside seating. At the very entrance of the Oberstadt you will find the "Kostbar" restaurant, which offers a great variety of healthy and delicious foods. Great value for the price. ( Barfuesserstrasse 7) The Cafe Barfuss is a classic (Barfuesserstrasse 33). Most restaurants in the Oberstadt offer breakfasts or brunches, and pretty much all of them will have many vegetarian options.

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If you have a sweet tooth, definitely check out Cafe/Konditorei Vetter [http://www.cafe-vetter-marburg.de/]and Cafe/Konditorei Klingelhoefer [http://www.konditorei-klingelhoefer.de/]. Both offer outstanding varieties of cakes and sweets, as well as breakfast. Make sure to try the "Sacher Torte" at Vetters, and if you like Marzipan don't miss the "Wiesbadner" at Klingelhöfers. If you want to take something home for your loved ones, their Pralines, Marzipan animals and sweets always make a beautiful gift for family. If you come around Easter, check out Vetter's Easter eggs with individual names written on them.

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==Where to Drink==

There are too many pubs and bars to list them all, but if you are in Marburg and everything is closed because its already 3 or 4 o´clock in the morning you have to go to the '''bolschoi pub'''! It is near the Elisabeth Church and the place to be in the later night!

There are too many pubs and bars to list them all, but if you are in Marburg and everything is closed because its already 3 or 4 o´clock in the morning you have to go to the '''bolschoi pub'''! It is near the Elisabeth Church and the place to be in the later night!

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If you are looking for some true Marburg experience, check out the Delirium mit Frazzkeller (Steinweg 3), a 2 floor bar with true Marburg characters and smoking downstairs. Try the Roter Korn. If you like live music, sip a glass of wine to some jazzy band at the Jazzclub Cavete (right across Deli/Frazzkeller)

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==Sleep==

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Sud Haus is an excellent bar with some great and inexpensive food and drinks. The staff is kind, speaks English, and if you're in the city for a while, are great to get to know if you want some insider discounts at other places around the city.

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A [http://www.jugendherberge.de/de/ youth hostel] is located a little bit south of town. Several hotels cater for the others.

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More expensive Hotels in Marburg are the Best Western Hotel and the Rosenpark Hotel.

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==Understanding==

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==Places to stay==

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In Marburg it is very often that you can meet People they can speak more then european Languages. It is not so so rare that you can find people they can speak a bit Japanese or Mandarin

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* A youth hostel [http://www.jugendherberge.de/de/] is located a little bit south of town.

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==Get out==

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More expensive hotels in Marburg are the Welcome Hotel and the Villa Vita Rosenpark Hotel.

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==Talk==

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In Marburg many European and other languages are widely spoken. For example it is possible to find those who will understand a little Japanese or Mandarin. English is never a problem, even children may speak a little English.

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The People in Marburg are very friendly and when you ask friendly you can get sometimes special tips you can never find in a Travel Guide.

{{outline}}

{{outline}}

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{{isIn|Hesse}}

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{{isPartOf|Hesse}}

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[[WikiPedia:Marburg]]

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[[wts:Category:Marburg]]

[[de:Marburg]]

[[de:Marburg]]

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[[WikiPedia:Marburg]]

Revision as of 00:19, 8 December 2012

Marburg is a small university town north of Frankfurt in the Lahn valley. It was almost untouched by bombs during WWII. The old city("Oberstadt", upper city) is a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with extremely well-preserved examples of 17th and 18th century "Hessische" architecture. Hearing nearby church bells toll while walking through this part of Marburg is a life changing experience. This is the Germany you expect from the tour books and here you can enjoy it free from the crowds of tourists.

The Philipps Universität [2] (founded 1527) is the oldest Protestant university in the world. Marburg has approximately 81,000 residents. With 21,000 students and 6,000 people working for the university, the slogan of Marburg is: "Other cities may have a university, Marburg is a university."

Contents

Get in

By train

Regular services go to Frankfurt and Kassel and from both cities you have extensive connections on the German InterCity train network (IC), not ICE.

By plane

Marburg has no airport so head for Frankfurt/Main, Germany's busiest airport.

By car

One of the few German cities not directly connected by the Autobahn, but as you are in Germany there are good alternatives ... From Frankfurt take the Autobahn to Gießen and than the speed Bundesstraße 3 to Marburg.

Get around

As a small town it`s best explored on foot. Other possibilities include the public bus services a bicycle.
To reach the "Oberstadt" you can use one of the two lifts, which make it accessible for the disabled.
If you need, ask the inhabitants: most people are very friendly and will go out of their way to point out the sights.

See

Oberstadt: Barfüßerstraße

Stroll around the old city and enjoy the medieval atmosphere in combination with the spirit of an university town. Visit the Elisabeth-Church, Germany's oldest gothic church, and the old castle at top of the "Oberstadt". Also worth seeing are the old university building, the city hall, and Weidenhausen (the old part of the town on the other side of the river Lahn).

Take a romantic pedal boat trip on the river Lahn, which starts from the bridge opposite to the old university building. Take a hike up to the Spiegelslustturm and enjoy a wonderful view over Marburg at night. There is an exhibition on the culture and history of Hesse in the old castle and also guided tours through the "Kasematten", the cellars of the castle. Consult the tourist information office [3] for details.

There is the aquamar, a relatively new swimming pool with a spa area.

Take a train in the direction of Kassel to Kirchhain, a lovely small German town with interesting large markets like the New Years Market or the Martins market.

You can also take a trip to the Amoeneburg, an old fortress 15 km east of Marburg, or to castle Rauischholzhausen [4], a traditional castle with a nice park.

You can also go for longer hikes in the surrounding hills and the picturesque forests.

If you are looking for culture, art and a special place to enjoy a glass of wine, visit the Kulturzentrum Waggonhalle, rigth behind the train station. Placed in the historic Waggonhalls, you will find art exhibitions, theater, concerts, flea markets, cabaret and much more. The Rotkehlchen Cafe/Restaurant serves great affordable food, tasty cakes, and offers outside seating.[5]

Where to eat

The city caters for the needs of more than 18,000 students so it is not difficult to find a nice cafe or pub. Most of the good pubs are located in the Oberstadt. Be aware that during the university terms they are sometimes crowded.

Try the Cafe am Grün[6] next to the Red Star Bookstore [7]. It's one of the most alternative cafes in Marburg and also a good place to go with children. In summer you can sit in their backgarden right at the Lahn river.

Next to the lower level of the lift (Oberstadtaufzug) in the middle of Marburg you will find numerous restaurants, great Doner and a very good Lebanese Imbiss. For the best fries in town and original Currywurst, try Leppers Imbiss (Biegenstrasse 8)

If you arrive at the train station and like to eat Asian food just walk straight away from the train station and cross the river bridge behind the highway. On the right side is a small, but good place for Asian food.

If you want to meet students then the "Mensa on the Erlenring" is very good, you can eat there as a guest, and the food is bot goof quality and affordable.

If you like traditional German food, visit the Ratsschänke [8] directly next to the historic town hall.

The area in the historic center around the Marktplatz and Barfuesserstrasse is full of good, affordable restaurants for all tastes, many with outside seating. At the very entrance of the Oberstadt you will find the "Kostbar" restaurant, which offers a great variety of healthy and delicious foods. Great value for the price. ( Barfuesserstrasse 7) The Cafe Barfuss is a classic (Barfuesserstrasse 33). Most restaurants in the Oberstadt offer breakfasts or brunches, and pretty much all of them will have many vegetarian options.

If you have a sweet tooth, definitely check out Cafe/Konditorei Vetter [9]and Cafe/Konditorei Klingelhoefer [10]. Both offer outstanding varieties of cakes and sweets, as well as breakfast. Make sure to try the "Sacher Torte" at Vetters, and if you like Marzipan don't miss the "Wiesbadner" at Klingelhöfers. If you want to take something home for your loved ones, their Pralines, Marzipan animals and sweets always make a beautiful gift for family. If you come around Easter, check out Vetter's Easter eggs with individual names written on them.

Where to Drink

There are too many pubs and bars to list them all, but if you are in Marburg and everything is closed because its already 3 or 4 o´clock in the morning you have to go to the bolschoi pub! It is near the Elisabeth Church and the place to be in the later night!
If you are looking for some true Marburg experience, check out the Delirium mit Frazzkeller (Steinweg 3), a 2 floor bar with true Marburg characters and smoking downstairs. Try the Roter Korn. If you like live music, sip a glass of wine to some jazzy band at the Jazzclub Cavete (right across Deli/Frazzkeller)

Sud Haus is an excellent bar with some great and inexpensive food and drinks. The staff is kind, speaks English, and if you're in the city for a while, are great to get to know if you want some insider discounts at other places around the city.

Places to stay

More expensive hotels in Marburg are the Welcome Hotel and the Villa Vita Rosenpark Hotel.

Talk

In Marburg many European and other languages are widely spoken. For example it is possible to find those who will understand a little Japanese or Mandarin. English is never a problem, even children may speak a little English.
The People in Marburg are very friendly and when you ask friendly you can get sometimes special tips you can never find in a Travel Guide.